The Queen Within

Chapter 14

Alandra

No one left my side that night. Jonathan, Roy, and Ebonie all stayed in that tiny room with me, afraid I would have another episode. We tried to figure out what it could mean, but I couldn't remember enough details to actually make sense of it. The only thing that was clear was the pain I experienced when I woke up. The devastation and dread that still were wreaking havoc on my body.

Even Onyx was whimpering in a corner. I hadn't felt this pain since... Since Mary died. The thought made me panic as realization hit. Since Mary died, could it be that someone had... No. It wasn't possible. I would've received some call or message or something. Jonathan's parents would've called and Natalie always keeps me posted when it came to the others.

I was just overthinking things. I tried to calm myself as I pushed the eggs on my plate around, not really hungry. Roy and Jonathan were discussing today's schedule. Jonathan thought it would be a good idea to stay a few days longer since the rogues were so bold. Roy of course agreed with this thinking they could track down the direction the rogues came from. They both felt they had a good chance of ending the problem now if they pursued this.

Throughout their conversation, Jonathan kept his hand on either my leg or my back. I do have to admit, his constant touch did help keep me semi-calm. The sparks kept giving me a constant release of dopamine causing me to be more relaxed than my mind actually was.

"Do you have any plans today your majesty?" Roy said pulling me from my thoughts.

"Oh you know, a full day of being restricted," I said with a slight twinge of venom in my voice.

He sighed and so did Jonathan.

"My love, I know it's difficult but please understand, it's for your safety." Jonathan said as he kissed the back of my hand. I grumbled but didn't offer up anything in return. I did understand why it was necessary. I did understand the lengths of precaution I have to go through now. That didn't mean that I liked it.

After breakfast, Jonathan and Roy went up to his office to set up the steps of their plan. Ebonie and I went for a walk around the main building. No one felt I was safe going outside just yet, so walks inside would have to do. Lucky for me, the place was plenty big and there were still areas I have not seen yet. My first stop was to their storage area. For no reason other than curiosity.

Ok, maybe for the rumors that there was an entire freezer dedicated to ice cream and I just had to see if it was true. The thought of having my pick of all that ice cream did put me in a better mood and I was practically skipping on the way there.

"You seem to be in better spirits, your highness."

"Ebonie, the one thing to for sure get me out of a slump, is the promise of ice cream."

My ears could've deceived me, but I could've sworn I heard Ebonie chuckle. I talked aimlessly about the weather, things we could do for the next couple of days, and what I had hoped they would serve for dinner. As usual, Ebonie didn't offer much in the conversation.

We made our way through winding corridors and long hallways with omegas scurrying about. They were all clearly very busy and I felt bad, feeling like I was in their way as every time they would pass by me, they would stop what they were doing to bow. I made sure to smile at each of them and try to say hello and have a small chat with each one that I could. I didn't want them to think I felt above them or that I didn't care.

When we finally made it to our destination, my heart was pounding. Excitement bubbled up in me. I stood in front of ivory double doors and I just knew that the promised land of ice cream was just beyond. Right as I went to open the doors, my phone rang. I cursed under my breath and fished the phone out of my pocket. The annoyance I felt quickly dissipated when I saw it was my mother-in-law. Ever since she had talked to me about my fears, the soft spot I had for her became even softer.

"Hello, mom. Missed us? I can't wait to get home and maybe we can go out for some fries and ice cream? That seems to be all this little pup wants." I laughed lightly expecting my mother-in-law's laughter to follow, but it was silent.

"Alandra... Jonathan's father is speaking with him now, but I thought you should know as soon as possible..."

My heart sank. Her tone was heavy and full of regret. "What is it?"

"...Natalie is here. You need to come home right away... There's... Been an attack."

Tears started to prick at my eyes. Natalie was at the pack. There's been an attack. That could only mean one thing. I turned on my heels and started running. Ebonie was right behind me, never falling a step behind. "We will be there soon. Tell Natalie I will be there soon." I say almost screaming and hanging up the phone picking up the pace.

I tried not to think about it. Tried not to think the worst. I had such little blood family left. An attack where Natalie had to go to the pack could not be good... But she could've done it out of precaution. It could mean nothing.

I kept telling myself this over and over again. I repeated it so much it became a mantra. I burst into the room and Jonathan was already there packing all our things. He turned as soon as I came in and he took two long strides toward me, engulfing me in an embrace, the sparks engulfing me as well. The tears that I have been keeping at bay spilled forward. I sobbed into Jonathan's chest and he kept me close, rubbing my back. He whispered into my ear that it was going to be ok.

Nodding I reluctantly pulled back, looking into his face. The fear and sadness I felt were mirrored in Jonathan's eyes. He gave me a small smile and led me to the bed, sitting me down. He ordered Ebonie to pack a bag as it was already arranged for her to become my full-time bodyguard. She wordlessly nodded and went away. Through the pain I felt, I also felt terrible for her. She was being taken from everything she knows to be with me. Was this really ok? Was she ok with it? I wanted to ask her, but for the moment I couldn't focus on much else.

We soon were fully packed and outside the packhouse where Roy was already waiting for us.

"Take the private plane. I would go with you but I am needed here. I will be sure to put our plan into motion." He spoke to Jonathan and they both clasped forearms, a warrior's farewell. Roy turned to me with sadness in his eyes. "Try to be strong your highness. We are all behind you. If you need me, please, don't hesitate to reach out."

I nodded and shook his hand, thanking him for his hospitality. When Roy turned to Ebonie, there was a flicker of sorrow in both their eyes. Ebonie's face remained stone, but her eyes gave way. Roy smiled at her and placed his hands on her shoulders. "You will do our pack proud. We will see each other again."

Ebonie nodded but didn't say anything, probably trying to keep her facade. After our farewells, we quickly boarded the plane and were on our way back home. I tried to remain calm the entire flight but I just couldn't relax. The world of possibilities kept running through my head. What if's were plaguing me. Jonathan held my hand and absentmindedly traced circles on my palms. I tried to allow the sparks to ease my nerves.

After the plane and a short drive, we were finally at the packhouse several hours later. Everyone murmured when they passed us, and all the eyes of pitty were unmistakable. An omega by the name of Orion came and informed us that Jonathan's parents and Natalie were waiting for us in his office.

With each step, Onyx howled louder and louder to the point my head felt like it would split open. That sinking feeling came back with a vengeance and I had to constantly look down to be sure I wasn't walking on quicksand.

Jonathan opened the door to his office and the sight I saw made my legs buckle. I stumbled at the sight of Natalie with gashes going down her arm, a swollen black eye, and bite wounds every which way. Her clothes had dried blood staining it and one of our doctors was tending to her.

Tears streaked my face as I made my way to her. When she saw me, regret was the emotion on hers. She pushed the doctor away and went on her knees, sobbing at my feet. I looked down at the woman who helped save my life, the woman who was keeping the rest of the Adairs safe, the woman who was stronger than anyone else I knew, break down before me.

"I-I'm so sorry! I tried to save them! There were so many surrounding us! I... I failed you!"

I kneeled before her and tried to grasp what she was saying. A part of me knew, but I didn't want to believe it. I didn't want to acknowledge it. Maybe I just heard her wrong.

"Natalie, what... what are you saying? What happened?"

Natalie's sobs grew louder and more hysterical with the question. She looked up at me, and the answer I dreaded was there on her face.

"T-they are all d-dead. An army of r-rogues attacked the c-castle. I-I'm only alive b-because they said I w-wasn't an Adair. I-I'm so so sorry!"

I felt the wind suck out of me and whatever strength my legs had vanished and I slumped to the floor. What she said had finally kicked in. They were all dead. Everyone. The last bit of family I had left.

"W...When?"

It was my mother-in-law who spoke up as Natalie was inconsolable. "Last night. She reached us this morning in a much worse state, collapsing at our border... We... we called as soon as she told us what happened."

Last night... The pain I felt. The overwhelming grief and sadness. That's why I felt it. I was feeling the loss of my family. I truly was the last Adair left.

My in-laws filled me in on the details Natalie couldn't. Sparing me the gory parts. They informed me that a small army of rogues attacked after nightfall. They were stealthy and well concealed. So much so that the thought of magic use was very possible. They ransacked the castle and killed everyone they knew to be Adair. Somehow they were able to tell the difference as Natalie had others that stayed there since she was a known sanctuary for those on the run.

Natalie had shifted and some others to try to fight off the rogues but they were outnumbered. Those who did fight were either killed or seriously injured. When the last Adair went down, all the rogues retreated without a trace. Whoever was left all made their way here. A few of them had to help carry Natalie due to the severity of her injuries. When they reached the border, they all collapsed from exhaustion from the events of that night and the journey.

Some were still in the clinic being treated for their injuries while others were being put into housing.

I tried to stay focus and listen to it all, listen to the travesty that my family had to endure. I tried, I really did. My mind did not want to though. Onyx was whimpering and howling as the grief gripped her. I felt her stir and claw her way to the surface. I tried to push her down but I couldn't. I couldn't control anything.

My body started shaking and I tried to stand but I couldn't find the strength. I crawled backward to try to avoid hurting any one.

"You have to get away!" I tried to warn them but I already felt the shift happen. There was no stopping it. Jonathan swopped in and grabbed Natalie, pulling her away as he and his parents jumped back. This shift was faster than any other and before anyone knew it, Onyx took up most of the room and I could faintly hear everyone calling out to me. I tried to regain control but I couldn't. Onyx was pushing me back to the recesses of our mind.

'Onyx don't do this!'

She ignored me as she looked around, looking for a way out. I saw through her eyes Jonathan's pleading ones. I wanted to reach out to him and find comfort in him but Onyx wouldn't allow me control. When his dad tried to take a step close to us, Onyx crashed through the nearest window, falling from the third floor we somehow landed on our feet and were perfectly fine. A few of our pack members looked at me in concern as they tried to avoid the falling glass. Onyx ran with all her might as I heard Jonathan scream our names.

'Onyx you have to go back! We can't leave Jonathan!'

Why?! We are it! That's it! The last of our line! I am the only wolf of my kind! There isn't even a guarantee that our baby will gain our family wolf! Don't you get it?!

I flinched at the pain in her voice. The anger and emptiness. Of course, I understood. Of course, I felt it too. Onyx just felt it more. She was grieving and needed this release. She howled a painfully sorrowful howl. Our nearby members that were already in their wolf forms answered the howl in response with their own sorrowful one. My members were hurting for me and that made the pain even more unbearable.

I wanted all of this to be a dream. For it to be a horrible nightmare that I woke up from but it wasn't. It was my reality. Before the sadness could overtake me, I stopped fighting and let Onyx have complete and utter control as I curled up into a ball at the back of her mind.